GLORIA BELL: Julianne Moore Delivers A Dazzling Performance

Sebastián Lelio’s latest film, Gloria Bell is essentially a shot-for-shot remake of his 2013 Chilean film Gloria. But why would a director choose to make the same film twice?

Some filmmakers might direct an English remake of their own film in hopes of reaching a wider audience, like Michael Haneke with his 2007 remake of Funny Games. Other filmmakers might remake their own film in order to update the story, such as Alfred Hitchc*ck with his 1956 remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much. But unlike those films, Gloria Bell arrives just six years after 2013’s Gloria.

More Than a Remake

There’s something special about Gloria that makes the material worth revisiting after such a brief amount of time. In an interview with Deadline, Lelio clarifies, “You give another chance to the material, and you find whatever is universal, and find a new vehicle for that, you try to make it resonate with the current times and… make it work in a different culture.” Gloria is a film that deserves increased viewership and its relatable story and characters should make for ubiquitous appeal.

With Gloria Bell, Lelio uproots the story from Santiago and sets it against the bustling backdrop of Los Angeles. The titular character is so easy to identify with and the story is profoundly universal that there was no need for Lelio to drastically alter the narrative to cater to an American audience. Yet, Lelio still finds a way to make Gloria Bell feel fresh.

Moviegoers who’ve already seen Gloria might think there’s no reason to rush out to see Gloria Bell since the film is virtually the same. But Gloria Bell is more than a mere remake. Since the release of Gloria in 2013, Sebastián Lelio has a few more films under his belt (including Oscar-winner, A Fantastic Woman). Gloria Bell makes it easy to see just how much Lelio has grown as a director in just a few short years. Both Gloria and Gloria Bell are exceptional films and the similarities between them are abundant, but one can surely argue that Gloria Bell is a superior film.

Julianne Moore Lights Up the Screen

Some stories are so uplifting that they deserve to be told time and time again. It’s clear that Sebastián Lelio is very passionate about the character of Gloria and her story, since he’s retelling it less than a decade later. Viewers can feel the passion and energy that went into this project and the cast brings their A-game, successfully breathing new life into the story.

Julianne Moore had some big shoes to fill when she stepped into the role that Paulina García previously shined in. Gloria Bell, like its predecessor, tells the story of a middle-aged divorcee whose relationship with her adult children is growing distant. She lives an average life, works a typical office job, loses sleep over a noisy neighbor, and has to deal with a cat that keeps finding its way into her apartment.

Gloria’s escape from reality comes in the form of dancing. One night while out at a dance club, she meets Arnold (John Turturro). The two begin dating but ultimately Gloria must decide what she wants out of life and assess whether she and Arnold share the same values. It’s a deceptively simple story that’s full of heart and serves as a reminder to get out there and enjoy life.

Gloria is a wonderfully multifaceted character and her story demands a captivating leading lady. Fortunately, Julianne Moore knocks it out of the park. Her performance as the free-spirited titular character is electrifying. She reinvigorates the role and ensures that Gloria Bell is a compelling watch even for viewers who’ve seen the original. Moore performs the role of Gloria with such magnetism that audiences will wish they could dance right alongside her.

Moore’s not the only one who gives a riveting performance. Turturro is exceptional as Arnold, and his chemistry with Moore feels utterly genuine. However, Arnold is a character that starts off likeable but whose flaws become more apparent over time. Turturro finds a way to be simultaneously endearing and disagreeable, making his character feel all the more human. In fact, what makes Gloria Bell so enamoring is that these characters feel authentic. The character of Gloria in particular is so empathetic that watching the film feels akin to catching up with an old friend.

A Charming Character Study

On the surface, a film that follows the day-to-day life of an average woman could come across as boring; but Moore gives a performance that is anything but. The fact that Gloria is such an ordinary person is what makes the film so relatable and allows for Lelio to make a statement about life itself. Gloria Bell is the portrait of a woman that many viewers can identify with; but characters like Gloria aren’t seen nearly enough on the big screen, which makes this film so refreshing.

Gloria Bell tackles the subtle complexities of everyday life, and Moore’s nuanced performance makes the ordinary feel almost extraordinary. Moore proves why she’s one of the best actresses working today, as she conveys so many emotions with a single facial expression. The look in her eyes say so much and we feel every emotion right along with her. Lelio also excels at making sure that the film never strays into overly sentimental territory. Moreover, all of the characters in the film are flawed and feel so real that it’s easy to get lost in this world that Lelio’s created.

A Film Full of Life

Not only does the cast of the film make each character feel alive, but everything from the music to the cinematography results in a film that’s brimming with life. Each frame is bursting with vibrant color and the music is energetic and upbeat. Some might criticize the film’s use of on-the-nose musical cues, but that’s part of the film’s charm. Additionally, most of the music is diegetic and it makes perfect sense for Gloria to sing along to a song like “Love is in the Air” while driving in her car at the start of a new romance.

Lelio captures the simple moments in life, as Gloria deals with loneliness, romance, family problems, heartbreak, and more. These ordinary situations create a relatable film that encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives. It’s a film that reveals how there can be beauty in the mundane. Gloria Bell is empowering, liberating, and will hopefully help viewers rediscover a zest for life.

Gloria Bell: Conclusion

While Gloria Bell might be almost a carbon copy of 2013’s Gloria, the film demonstrates how much Sebastián Lelio has evolved as a director over the past six years. The film features gorgeous cinematography, a joyous soundtrack, and one of Julianne Moore’s best performances to date. Gloria Bell is a quiet little film, but it’s also a powerful reminder that we could all die tomorrow so we might as well sing along to our favorite songs and dance the night away.

Do you prefer Gloria or Gloria Bell? Let us know in the comments section!

Gloria Bell received a limited release in the U.S. on March 8, 2019.